Lover confesses to killing girlfriend, burning body, and burying her in his yard

THE family of Elizabeth Molefe (37) had been searching for her for over two months.

But all the time she was almost right under their noses.

They found out after her boyfriend allegedly killed and buried her in his yard – only three blocks from her family home.

Police said Elizabeth’s boyfriend (38), from Stinkwater, near Hammanskraal in Tshwane, handed himself over to Temba cops on Thursday and confessed to killing her during an argument.

He allegedly hit her over the head with an iron before wrapping her body in a blanket which he then put in a two metre deep hole he had dug to make a drain.

He told the police that he used paper, plastic, wood, oil and petrol to burn her.

On Friday, police forensic teams swooped on his yard and found what was left of Elizabeth.

Her body had been burnt beyond recognition. Police could only find a skull and part of one knee.

Elizabeth’s brother, Sello Molefe (49), said they last saw her leaving for the boyfriend’s place in October. “He lives three streets away from our house.”

He said the boyfriend reported Elizabeth missing at the Temba Police Station seven days after she disappeared.

“He would come to our house as if nothing had happened.”

Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubele confirmed the incident and said the man was arrested.

He said the accused will appear before the Moretele Magistrates Court today.

The gruesome murder has left the community shocked.

Hendrick Makaneta, an education activist, wrote on his Facebook page: “We will not stand aside and watch as evil men continue to abuse and kill their women in my community of Stinkwater. Something drastic has to be done. Enough is enough!”

Makaneta said he had already spoken to several community leaders and elders in the area.

He said a mass meeting of village men will be held on 11 February to discuss what can be done to build a safer village.